ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and are prescribed powerful medications following unreliable video conversations. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs and dozens patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.
Logjammed NHS waiting lists mean many people are forced to pay for a private assessment. But does it work?
Why do I need a private diagnosis?
If you or someone you know suffers from ADHD You should seek out a professional who will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. While many people may choose to use the NHS however, an individual diagnosis can be more efficient and can save you time and money in the end.
There are concerns about the capacity of the NHS to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients have to wait for weeks or months for an appointment. This can be very stressful for those affected. In addition, many people think that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't as good as it could be.
It's not a surprise, then that more people choose to have a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care provided by private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics were rushing through tests over the phone and told patients that they were suffering from ADHD even though, in actual, they did not.
A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questions that you will be asked to complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD. The results can be used to aid the doctor in deciding whether or not you need to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The clinician will then assess your medical background and family history, as in addition to the impact of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct an examination of your body and cognitive test. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and given a treatment program.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD Your doctor will send documentation to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will allow you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription charge) while seeing your private therapist for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when required.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
In the case of ADHD, a good diagnosis and proper treatment can make all the difference. However, the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Many adults can't wait that long to look for private doctors to evaluate their condition. This can save you time and stress, but it is important to remember that it doesn't guarantee an accurate diagnosis.
A professional with experience diagnosing ADHD can offer an extensive evaluation than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This can include a physical exam and tests, such as hearing and vision. This will include questionnaires and check-lists. The person conducting the evaluation will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They may also use the standard ADHD scales for rating and may also request your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.
When assessing adults with ADHD the doctor will look for five or more signs that have been present for at least six months and are serious enough to cause disruption in work or family life. They will also determine whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression or anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. They will also evaluate your professional and social history to rule out potential issues like financial difficulties, abuse histories, and drinking and drug addiction.
During the NHS assessment, a psychiatrist or another healthcare professional will tell you if they believe you don't meet the criteria to be considered a sufferer of ADHD. You can ask for another assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication in this way. However, doctors have been recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the condition and because it is expensive.
What happens If I don't like my diagnosis?
It's worth remembering that your clinician should be empathetic and respectful of your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can cause major difficulties for families and individuals. If your clinician disagrees with the diagnosis, he or she may be able suggest other treatments and diagnoses that are more appropriate for you.
If adhd diagnosis uk adult decides that you don't meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD, they will explain the reason. It could be due to the fact that you didn't provide enough details about your issues or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're not happy with the diagnosis you may seek a second opinion from a different clinician or use the NHS complaints process.
It is important to remember that your clinician may find the assessment process challenging, whether you opt for private care or NHS care. This isn't due to the individuals affected, but rather because NHS services are stretched to the limits.
GPs are also struggling to navigate the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure they provide a solid safe, fair and secure service, and that they are in compliance with the GMC's requirements for sharing care prescribing.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has exposed that private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put patients at risk. This is a national scourge and a compelling reason to look at alternative options.
It is also important to remember that the stigma associated with being diagnosed as ADHD can make it difficult for some people receive an assessment. This is especially true if the person is of a different ethnicity, was assigned female at birth or has other social and health issues that can influence how medical professionals view their symptoms.
If you're suffering from unmanaged ADHD symptoms and feel your life is negatively impacted, we are here to assist. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can offer support and treatment to help you overcome your concerns. You can request an appointment via our website or give us phone to discuss how we might be able to assist you.
What happens when you don't wish me to take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication, it's possible to receive a diagnosis without a prescription. The NHS offers an adult ADHD assessment service and you can request an appointment with your GP to be evaluated at one of the centres for specialist assessment in England, or through the 'Right To Choose' pathway, which is much faster.
Your appointment will include an assessment that is validated and a consultation with a clinician and an online questionnaire. This will enable your doctor to assess how you are affected by these symptoms and the impact they affect your daily routine. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is important that you give honest and truthful information.
If the doctor determines that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and ADHD, they will be in a position to give you an assessment. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. Before deciding it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using any medication. The effects of medication last for a long time, and they can cause serious adverse effects if taken incorrectly.
The doctor will issue you a prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, and the amount of time you've been experiencing them, it may be suggested that you take ADHD medication for a long period of time. It is essential to keep in mind that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include exercise, diet, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that patients are being falsely diagnosed as a result of inadequate diagnostic tests. We are hesitant to say that this isn't true because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely qualifies as an academic discipline. However, if you are suffering from ADHD symptoms and are being let down by the NHS wait times, then it may be a good idea to get an assessment with a private practitioner.